Podcast Summary: The Ancients – "The Persian Wars: Darius, Athens and the Battle of Marathon"

Introduction

In the February 20, 2025 episode of The Ancients, hosted by Tristan Hughes from History Hit, listeners are immersed in the intricate narrative of the First Persian War, focusing particularly on the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. This episode marks the beginning of a multi-episode series delving into the Persian Wars, featuring insightful discussions with two esteemed experts: Dr. Roul Knendijk from Lincoln College, Oxford University, and Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones from Cardiff University.

Setting the Stage: The Persian and Greek Worlds circa 500 BC

The episode opens with Tristan Hughes painting a vivid picture of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern landscapes around 500 BC. Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones elaborates on the rapid expansion of the Persian Empire under Darius the Great, highlighting its dominance over the eastern Mediterranean after swiftly conquering regions like Cyprus and Egypt. In contrast, the Greek world is depicted as a fragmented mosaic of city-states and regional federations, bustling with economic vitality, political organization, and cultural developments.

Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones [03:30]: "The Greeks are everywhere, but they're not united. They're all quite small states... there's a lot of vitality in that world."

Persian Perceptions of the Greeks and Early Interactions

Dr. Roul Knendijk discusses how the Greeks perceived the emerging Persian threat. A notable fragment from a poem around 490 BC illustrates the Greeks' realization of the Persian menace, emphasizing cultural unfamiliarities such as trousers, which the Greeks found particularly perplexing.

Dr. Roul Knendijk [05:52]: "They look quite Greek, apart from the fact that they're wearing trousers."

Prof. Jones adds that despite the vast Persian Empire, the local interactions between Persians and Greeks were nuanced, with no monolithic Persian identity imposed upon the diverse conquered peoples.

The Ionian Revolt: Seeds of Conflict

The conversation shifts to the Ionian Revolt, where Greek cities in Asia Minor initially saw Persian rule as an opportunity for autonomy. However, Persian suppression of the revolt led to a broader conflict involving multiple regions. Herodotus, the primary source for this period, attributes the revolt's inception to Aristagoras of Miletus, whose motivations remain enigmatic.

Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones [15:57]: "This is one of the classic essay questions. What is going on here?"

Persian Expeditions into Greece

The experts discuss the Persian attempts to extend their control into mainland Greece. The first expedition in 492 BC, led by Mardonius, was thwarted by natural disasters and resistance, setting the stage for the famous Battle of Marathon. The second expedition in 490 BC, under Artaphrones and Datis, aimed to reinstate the Athenian tyrant Hippias but ultimately led to confrontation at Marathon.

Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones [28:20]: "This is an example where the Persians are being guided into Greece by an agent who is Greek and who wants Persian help to re-establish himself in Greece."

The Battle of Marathon: Myth and Reality

At Marathon, the Athenian army, bolstered by approximately 9,000 hoplites, faced the numerically superior Persian forces. The actual size of the Persian army remains uncertain due to unreliable ancient sources. Herodotus provides a dramatized account, blending historical fact with mythic elements, such as heroic feats and divine interventions.

Dr. Roul Knendijk [37:54]: "We wouldn't take a Second World War narrative of, say, what happened on Dunkirk from one side only... Let's treat it for what we can as a light, constructive, propagandistic narrative with a big myth that went behind it."

The battle itself is shrouded in ambiguity, with narratives suggesting both tactical prowess from the Athenians and chaotic, unplanned engagements that deviate from traditional Greek military formations.

Legacy and Impact of the First Persian Invasion

The victory at Marathon is portrayed as a pivotal moment for Athens, fostering a sense of self-confidence and laying the groundwork for future democratic and military advancements. For Persia, the campaign was deemed a success, solidifying their control over Asia Minor but also prompting strategic reassessments regarding their western frontiers.

Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones [53:05]: "For the Greeks, this is a radical moment of self reassessment... they can actually beat them, like we can win, which is a huge deal for them."

The episode underscores the enduring legacy of Marathon in Greek cultural memory, exemplified by myths such as Pheidippides' legendary run, which has transcended historical accounts to inspire modern symbols like the marathon race.

Dr. Roul Knendijk [47:22]: "What we see in the second account of the Run to Athens is an elaboration, a counter narrative to Herodotus' original."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Tristan Hughes teases the continuation of the series, promising an exploration of the second Persian invasion led by King Xerxes in the subsequent episode. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to History Hit for more in-depth discussions and to follow Tristan on Instagram for additional ancient history content.

This episode of The Ancients offers a comprehensive and nuanced examination of the First Persian War, blending scholarly insights with engaging storytelling to illuminate one of history's most mythologized conflicts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Roul Knendijk [05:52]: “They look quite Greek, apart from the fact that they're wearing trousers.”
• Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones [15:57]: “This is one of the classic essay questions. What is going on here?”
• Dr. Roul Knendijk [37:54]: “We wouldn't take a Second World War narrative of, say, what happened on Dunkirk from one side only... Let's treat it for what we can as a light, constructive, propagandistic narrative with a big myth that went behind it.”
• Professor Lloyd Llewellyn Jones [53:05]: “For the Greeks, this is a radical moment of self reassessment... they can actually beat them, like we can win, which is a huge deal for them.”
• Dr. Roul Knendijk [47:22]: “What we see in the second account of the Run to Athens is an elaboration, a counter narrative to Herodotus' original.”

Note: The timestamps correspond to specific points within the podcast transcript, facilitating easy reference for listeners seeking to revisit particular sections.